International Reform Conference in Copenhagen: Reforms in Ukraine are crucial for the stability of Europe

25.06.2018 13:49

Ukraine is on the front line – both concerning Russian aggression but also in the fight for reforms and breaking ties with its Soviet past. Denmark and Europe have a strategic interest in the success of the Ukrainian reform process. Hosting the Ukraine Reform Conference could create new momentum to the country’s reform process.

On June 27 the Minister for Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen is hosting an international Ukraine Reform Conference together with his Ukrainian college Pavlo Klimkin. The Conference takes place on a backdrop of the conflict with Russia, which now has lasted over 4 years. Despite the conflict, Ukraine has managed to complete bigger reform steps than at any other time since its independence.

Anders Samuelsen says:

“Reforms are the best answer to Russian aggression. A reformed Ukraine based on European values will show Russia, that we will not accept Soviet methods and repression of the Ukrainian people’s desire for a European future. Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and the continued aggression in eastern Ukraine are completely unacceptable for Ukraine and the international community alike. If Ukraine fails in its reform process, and Russia succeeds in seizing Ukraine in its iron fist once more, the international community will fail too. This will have consequences for all of Europe.”

Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Groysman will open the conference. During the conference, the Ukrainian Government will present progress achieved since the last international Ukraine Reform Conference held in London in 2017.

Anders Samuelsen says:

“The Ukrainian Government has achieved impressive results since 2014. Just a few days ago, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a law establishing an independent Anti-Corruption Court. This is an important step in the fight against corruption, which will ensure that corrupt government officials and politicians can be brought to trial. Nonetheless, it is clear that many unresolved issues remain and I find the speed of the reform process worrying. It is important to stress that it is the Ukrainian Government itself, which must deliver. Reforming Ukraine should not happen for our sake. It should happen for the sake of the Ukrainian people. Every Ukrainian has the right to live in a society based on the rule of law and to have trustworthy politicians. This is what we are working towards”

Participation at the Conference includes more than 10 foreign ministers, EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, EU’s Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn, more than 40 delegations from EU, NATO and G7 as well as representation from international organizations. Additionally, representatives from the Ukrainian civil society and private sectors are expected. The Ukrainian delegation consists of 6-8 ministers and is headed by the Ukrainian Prime Minister, who the day before the Conference is on an official visit in Denmark.

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